The Frankfurt Motor Show is known to many as the event where automakers often introduce the new concept cars. For 2015, Hyundai took a different step and introduced to the world what it expects in terms of performance characteristics for its future offerings.

Inspired mainly by the N, Hyundai revealed during the show its ‘Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo’ concept. Interested buyers though will have to wait as the Hyundai N will only be available exclusively for players of the PlayStation’s Gran Turismo video game series.

Hyundai N’s powertrain is mainly based on what can be considered as the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell system in the world. Its dual fuel cell stacks can generate power of 500 kW or 670 HP while the super capacitor system gives an extra 150 kW of power or 201 HP, resulting in total output of 650 kW or 871 HP.

The capacitor system is able to generate that extra amount of power by regenerating energy when braking. This amazing amount of power is supplied by the four independent high-powered in-wheel motors that also provide uncompromised traction.

Since it uses the lightweight and compact fuel cell stacks with the firm CFRP monocoque structure, the weight is kept at a 972 kg level. Its power-to-weight ratio is more than equal to major exotic supercars worldwide.

Adding in a lower center of gravity, this gives the Hyundai N the performance and power that can make it perform well in even the most challenging race tracks. This sums up the very exciting premise of Hyundai’s N series.

The structure of the Hyundai N also aids in its performance. The air for instance flows through the iconic hexagonal grille to its underbody boat-shaped structure, and with the air supply tube-type underflow duct being connected to its rear, this allows for the pressure to be minimized on the underbody in order to create maximum downforce.

Further, the air brakes are activated depending on the speed and its usage, reducing drag as well. While the Hyundai N is founded on the use of eco-performance technology, the powertrain’s noise tells a much different story. Anyone who drives the Hyundai N will likely hear the engine’s unique race car roar.

This particular sound is the result of combining the sound produced from the hydrogen cooling system, the high pitch of the in-wheel motor, frequency of the fuel cell stacks, and finally the sound that comes from the air blower’s turbine which spins at about 200,000rpm.

The Hyundai N inspires both speed and aeronautics. This is the reason why it looks similar to a jet fighter on the road, blurring the line between asphalt and air.

As a matter of fact, Hyundai Motor designed it to make it look as if it was floating. The Hyundai N’s innovative design and use of sustainable technology are simply Hyundai’s way of showing the global online community its plans for the future.

Press Release

HYUNDAI MOTOR REVEALS PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE WITH N SUB-BRAND AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

Hyundai Motor the fastest growing automaker by brand has showcased its high performance sub-brand N at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Built on the foundation of the company’s intensive product development and motorsport experiences, Hyundai ‘N’ ultimately aims to develop future performance-oriented models.

Albert Biermann, Head of Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division said, “By revealing this exciting high performance sub-brand N to our customers, we’re challenging expectations of the Hyundai Motor brand. Drivers will soon experience the thrills and emotion of our proven motorsport prowess for themselves. Our future model line-up will include performance-oriented and race track-capable cars that will be full of energy. These models are just the start of what we know will be a fast and exhilarating journey for our brand.”

Hyundai ‘N’ cars will feature new powertrains and lightweight materials derived from Hyundai Motor’s World Rally Championship (WRC) participation, as well as performance-focused handling and aerodynamics. By providing carefully balanced levels of power and agility, Hyundai N cars will aim to achieve harmony in performance and deliver optimum thrills to customers who appreciate a focused and truly engaging driving experience.

In order to introduce Hyundai N’s roots and vision, Hyundai Motor is showcasing its latest motorsport challenger and two dynamic concepts during the motor show, the New Generation i20 WRC, RM15 and the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo.

Inspired by Motorsport

Based on the New Generation i20, the i20 WRC Rally Car is the preview for the vehicle that will compete in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship. Featuring optimised weight distribution, greater powertrain efficiency and enhanced aerodynamics, the car is already undergoing a punishing testing, engineering and development regime in build up to its final rally-specification ahead of its debut at Rally Monte Carlo in January 2016.

The New Generation i20 WRC will demonstrate Hyundai’s ability to enhance its high-performance DNA, and will continue to compete in motorsports as Hyundai ‘N’ builds towards producing a full road-going line-up of cars.

Accumulating high performance technologies from Hyundai Motor’s RM15

The mid-engined RM15 (Racing Midship 2015) concept is an aggressively-styled high-performance coupe that makes a confident statement about Hyundai Motor’s passion for performance and hints at the future direction of Hyundai N’s advanced technologies.

Although the RM15 is a new challenge for Hyundai Motor, it has adopted a ‘midship’ structure established when N technology was introduced by Hyundai Motor in 2013 to support the production of high-performance automobiles.

The RM15 features an aluminum spaceframe as its core structure, covered by light, stiff body panels formed in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which together help to achieve a significant weight saving compared to a conventional all-steel vehicle. The body panels are painted in N’s signature colours.

Total weight is reduced to 1,260 kg – a saving of 195 kg compared to an all-steel structure. With weight distribution effectively balanced for a midship concept (43% front, 57% rear), the centre of gravity is just 491 mm from the ground and aerodynamic downforce is 124 kg at 200 kph, aided by a competitive lift-coefficient.

Power comes from Hyundai Motor’s Theta 2.0-litre T-GDI engine, tuned to deliver 300 PS at 6,000 RPM through a six-speed manual transmission. Mounted transversely behind the two-seater cabin and ahead of the rear axle, optimised weight distribution is ensured, with a low moment of inertia for excellent handling agility and high levels of traction. Vertical air-intake slots in the flanks of the car, ahead of the rear wheel arches, increase cooling airflow within the engine bay and enhance powertrain efficiency, ready for enjoyable and race track and robust driving.

All these elements combine to achieve Hyundai N’s aim of balanced performance, focusing on increasing power without sacrificing the driving experience.

At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai also introduces the ultimate concept car to show the global audience the brand’s unique perspective on future performance characteristics. The ‘Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo’ concept, inspired by N, will be coming exclusively to PlayStation®’s Gran Turismo video game series.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo powertrain is based on the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell system. The total system output is 650 kW (871 HP), with the dual fuel cell stacks providing 500 kW (670 HP), and the super capacitor system generating an additional 150 kW (201 HP) by using energy regeneration when braking. This remarkable power is delivered through four high-powered independent in-wheel motors, which provide uncompromised traction.

The compact, lightweight fuel cell stacks and rigid CFRP monocoque structure help to keep weight down to 972 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals the most exotic supercars in the world. Combined with a low centre of gravity, this power and performance sets the car up to perform on the most challenging of race tracks, encapsulating the thrilling premise of N cars.

As air flows through Hyundai’s trademark hexagonal grille to the boat-shaped underbody structure, the tube-type underflow air supply duct connected to the rear minimizes pressure to the underbody to produce maximum downforce. In addition, the air brakes activate according to speed and brake usage as well as reduce drag.

Although the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is based on eco-performance technology, the noise from its powertrain will tell a different story. The sounds from the air blower’s turbine that spins at 200,000rpm, the frequency of the fuel cell stacks, the sound from the hydrogen cooling system and the high-pitched in-wheel motor combine to produce a distinct race car roar.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept draws inspiration aeronautics and speed. Itlooks like a jet fighter on wheels that blurs the line between air and asphalt. Hyundai Motor designed this car to appear like it is floating.

The tight connection between Namyang and Nürburgring creates the foundation for N. Namyang is the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network and birthplace of all Hyundai cars, and Nürburgring is the world’s most challenging race track which will be used to hone N’s high performance technologies. Both locations play a crucial role in the development, testing and refinement of the responsive handling and vigorous acceleration that will characterise future N products.

The logo shape of N represents the corners of a race track where cars are pushed to the limit – namely, the chicane where the technical skills of the driver and the balance of the car are rigorously tested.

N technology drives Korean national Bobsleigh team

To showcase the breadth of Hyundai N’s high performance technology, Hyundai Motor debuts its independently developed ‘Hyundai N Bobsleigh 2016’ at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Utilising key advanced technologies and engineering learned from Hyundai N, Hyundai Motor has worked to minimise air resistance through wind tunnel aerodynamic testing and has created a bobsleigh design with ideal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. Lightweight materials such as carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) will improve cornering and acceleration, combined with a strong chassis frame to reduce friction caused by vibration.

Hyundai Motor has also worked directly with the Korean National bobsleigh team to develop and customise ergonomic vessels to fit exactly each of the individual athletes..

The key technologies of Hyundai N Bobsleigh’s chassis, push handle, cabin, push bar, cowling and front bumper will be introduced at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. After participating in the upcoming 2015/2016 Bobsleigh winter season with the N Bobsleigh, Hyundai Motor plans to gear up for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics with an upgraded bobsleigh.